How to Resolve QuickBooks Payroll Errors?


Last Update: July 14th, 2026     Author: Adams Williams

Using QuickBooks Desktop is the best way to manage your accounting needs while reducing the amount of time and energy you spend on maintaining your records each day. Among the most prominent features of QuickBooks is the Payroll feature, which assists organizations in managing employee funds and creates a clear tax picture for each employee. These errors usually occur while downloading the payroll updates. These errors are accompanied by the message ‘QuickBooks is having trouble installing payroll tax table update’.

The message may not be exactly like this all the time, but similar to it. However, there is no reason why a QuickBooks user should be worried. These errors can be easily fixed. Many users, however, have complained about QuickBooks Payroll Update Not Working or QuickBooks Payroll Won’t update even after multiple attempts. It is found that a corrupted installation file is responsible for the error. The blog below provides more information on this glitch, so read it carefully.

Why Do the QuickBooks Payroll Errors Occur?

No particular reason can be pinpointed for the above errors related to the QuickBooks Payroll Update.

These errors indicated one of the following conditions:

  1. A tax table file in the Components/Payroll folder is damaged or invalid.
  2. It is possible that the QuickBooks software is not registered
  3. The information related to billing is incorrect or outdated.
  4. The QuickBooks company file is corrupted or damaged.
  5. An extremely outdated version of QuickBooks Desktop prevents the application from fetching the latest release information.

A List of Common QuickBooks Payroll Errors

Below is the mentioned list of several typical Payroll errors in QuickBooks Desktop, along with a brief explanation of each:

QuickBooks Payroll Error 15271Incorrect configuration of Internet Explorer settings
QuickBooks Payroll Error PS034A firewall setting that blocks payroll updates in QuickBooks Desktop
QuickBooks Payroll Error PS038You have received the latest payroll update and validated your payroll subscription.
QuickBooks Payroll Error 12152API window key problems may cause error 12152.
QuickBooks Payroll Error PS077QuickBooks can’t download payroll updates.
QuickBooks Payroll Error PS107Problems or errors in the company file while updating.
QuickBooks Payroll Error PS060Unavailable Payroll Service
QuickBooks Payroll Error PS058Payroll update problems
QuickBooks Payroll Error PS032QuickBooks Payroll Service error due to problems with the company file.
QuickBooks Payroll Error 30159Error verifying payroll tax arrangements such as EIN.
QuickBooks Payroll Error PS033Obsolete or incorrect tax table files.
QuickBooks Error 15240Payroll errors are caused by network connection failure, firewall misconfiguration, or incorrect system date and time settings.
QuickBooks Payroll Error 15102Payroll problems arise due to an error in the download location or access problems due to firewall settings.
QuickBooks Error 17337Internet connection, firewall, or software setup issues can cause payroll errors.
QuickBooks Error 557QuickBooks has encountered Error 557. The operation cannot be completed.
QuickBooks Error 15215Unable to verify digital signature
QuickBooks Error 2107“Error: direct deposit information is incomplete. Message code 2107 QuickBooks”
QuickBooks Error 15311The digital signature could not be verified.
QuickBooks Error 12031Software cannot connect to the internet, often blocking payroll or software updates due to security concerns
QuickBooks Error 15270“Error 15270: The payroll update did not complete successfully.”
QuickBooks Error 12002“Error 12002: A network timeout that is preventing QuickBooks from accessing the server.”
QuickBooks Error 12157update-related connectivity issue

You may also read this: How to Setup Payroll in QuickBooks Desktop

How to Fix Common QuickBooks Payroll Errors

Point to be Noted: Before continuing, recollect that you need to install the most recent version of Internet Explorer. You can download it from the Microsoft Download Center.

Solution 1: Download and run the Clean Install

  • The first thing you have to do is install the clean install tool in QuickBooks
  • Then, you need to uninstall the QuickBooks software
  • Afterward, download and run the QuickBooks Clean Install Tool.
  • Presently Manually Rename the QuickBooks Desktop installation folder by right-clicking on it.
  • Reinstall QuickBooks Desktop to check whether the issue is fixed or not.

Solution 2: Install a Digital Signature Authentication

Installing a digital signature authentication also helps to fix the 15XXX series. Before picking any solution, make sure of the reason behind it:

  • Firstly, install the  digital signature authentication
  • Direct a Windows Search for QBW32.exe, which is situated in C: Program FilesIntuitQuickBooks. What’s more, to discover the QBW32.exe in Windows.
  • Click on the connection for More Results in the Windows Search tab if the QBW32.exe doesn’t show up during the search.
  • After this, click on the Computer symbol on the Next Screen. This will help to run Windows on your PC.
  • Now, you have to search for the QBW32.exe, which is a kind of utility.
  • Click on QBW32.exe, and then you have to choose the Properties menu.
  • Once you have done it, click on the Digital Signature tab and ensure that Intuit Inc. is chosen in the signature list.
  • Click on Details to view the data.
  • Click on View authentication in the Digital Signature Details window.
  • After this, go to the Certificate window and click on Install Certificate.
  • Now click on the Next button until the Finish tab appears on the screen.
  • Click on the Finish button when it appears on your screen.
  • Restart your PC to ensure the issue is resolved.
  • Once the restart is complete, your QuickBooks desktop will open.
  • At last, download the update again time and you are all done with this program.

Solution 3: Edit the Internet Explorer Settings

To resolve this series code, you can edit the Internet Explorer Settings with the following steps:

  • Initially, open the Internet Explorer Settings.
  • Then, the user needs to open Internet Explorer (IE).
  • After this, click on the stuff symbol.
  • Then, you have to choose the  Internet Options.
  • Click on the Security tab and then choose the Trusted location.
  • Give the next click on the Site and choose to add the accompanying sites.
  • Click on the close button.
  • Move forward with the displayed guideline and click Apply alternative.
  • Lastly, click on the OK button to end this issue.

For the US edition of QuickBooks:

  • .quickbooks.com
  • .intuit.com

For the Canadian form of QuickBooks:

  • .quickbooks.ca
  • .intuit.ca

Solution 4: Check and ensure the Internet Connection and QuickBooks settings

To guarantee that QuickBooks files have both incoming and outgoing web access, design your firewall against infection. The Firewall that is not related to QuickBooks can cause the 15XXX series of errors when you attempt to download the update.

Solution 5: The best way to resolve this error is to configure your firewall and install against infection safeguard

You need to set up your firewall and against infection protector: The user needs to set up your firewall program and an anti-infection safeguard to ensure that your QuickBooks files are safe and secure. In any case, if your firewall isn’t designed properly, this can cause QuickBooks files to be corrupted when endeavoring to download updates or reinstalling any form on your PC.

Solution 6: If all the above methods fail to resolve this error, then download the Updates of QuickBooks software in Safe Mode

  1. In the first step, you have to download the Updates in Safe Mode
  2. If the error persists after following the above advances, at that point attempt to download the updates in safe mode.
  3. Most importantly, the user is supposed to open your framework in safe mode
  4. From that point forward, download the updates once more
  5. Assuming it gets fruitful, restart your framework in typical mode
  6. At long last, attempt to re-download the update
  7. Once the program is completed, restart to make sure the issue is resolved.

Solution 7: Change the Time and Date on Your System

  1. Firstly, choose the tab Date & Time from the context menu.
  2. Tap on the option Change date & time and click OK two times.
  3. After that, close & open QuickBooks again.
  4. At last, you have to run QuickBooks for the Payroll Update again & check whether the problem is still occurring or not.

Details Explanation on QuickBooks Payroll Common Errors

  1. QuickBooks Error 15271: These errors 15271 appear when a file cannot be validated. To resolve this error, you need to turn off the User Account Control (UAC) in Windows. If turning off UAC doesn’t resolve the problem, follow these steps: Close and reopen QuickBooks.
  2. QuickBooks Error 15240: Error 15240: The payroll update did not complete successfully. You may also encounter one of these errors: File Exists: The file you specified cannot be opened. Make sure that it is not being used by another program.
  3. QuickBooks Error PS034: Tax table file or payroll folder is corrupted or invalid. The company file (QuickBooks) is not valid. QuickBooks Payroll is not registered.
  4. QuickBooks Error PS077 and PS032: There is nothing to worry about; these errors are easy to fix. These are QuickBooks errors PS032 and PS077, and along with it will receive a message ‘QuickBooks is having trouble installing payroll tax table update.
  5. QuickBooks Error PS038: QuickBooks payroll error PS038 appears when a user tries to send paychecks online, and the paychecks are stuck as “Online to send.” Payroll cannot be processed if there are paychecks stuck in the system, and thus, resolving the error becomes the need of the hour.
  6. QuickBooks Error 12152: What is Payroll Update Error Code 12152? QuickBooks Error 12152 typically stands out when you have problems with the Internet Connection setups that make it difficult for the software to connect to the servers and give concerns with the updates.

What are the QuickBooks Payroll Functions and Features

Below are the listed QuickBooks Payroll Features and Functions:

  • 401(k) plans: QuickBooks Payroll offers options for managing 401(k) plans, which will help your employees with retirement savings while also reducing the administrative burden of plan management for your business.
  • 1099 e-filing: QuickBooks Payroll makes it easy to record payments made to independent contractors and other freelancers by IRS laws through the 1099 e-filing process.
  • Tax penalty protection: QuickBooks Payroll also offers tax penalty protection, which helps you avoid costly fines and penalties by ensuring accurate payroll tax calculations and timely deposits.
  • Time tracking: You can track and manage the working hours of your employees without any extraordinary efforts with the help of QuickBooks payroll time-tracking tool features, which provides you with a guarantee of correct pay and compliance with labor rules.
  • Contractor payments: Using QuickBooks Payroll, you can easily manage contractor payments and keep track of your independent contractors’ revenue
  • Direct deposit: The user should simplify their payment process with QuickBooks Payroll by using direct deposit, eliminating the need for paper checks and making it more convenient for both them and their employees.
  • HR support: QuickBooks Payroll provides an HR support capability feature for time-tracking, record-keeping, and maintaining compliance with employment laws. You can manage your employees using this feature.
  • Health benefits: QuickBooks Payroll simplifies the process of obtaining health benefits, allowing you to offer your employees attractive benefits packages that enhance their well-being and job satisfaction.

Need Professional Help?

You get information about the payroll errors and also get to know some errors with their solutions. You have to follow the solution properly. If you have any further queries or issues, then don’t hesitate to ask the SMB Accountants QuickBooks payroll support team. The team is here to help you whenever required and is available 365 days a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you mean by QuickBooks payroll update errors?

There are various payroll errors in the QuickBooks Desktop. These errors occur to those who are using the QuickBooks payroll but not to others who are not using the payroll. The payroll errors stop you from using the payroll services.

What kind of errors do I receive while updating the QuickBooks Payroll?

The error can be of any type like the update, upgrade, installation, reconciliation, tax table, payment, employee-related, damaged file, missing file or folder, missing service key, download, and many other types of errors.

Is there any kind of series for QuickBooks payroll update errors?

Yes, these series error codes started from the PS or 15xxx. So you have to fix it according to the error you get. Before that, you must identify the reason behind it and then go to the solution to resolve it.

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